To submit or not to submit. That was the choice I was to make as I contemplated applying to grad school for the third time. The first time had been a hard reject from a Library of Information Sciences program.

Connor Beaton is the founder of Man Talks, a monthly discussion forum aimed at men that has attracted a huge following. “I organized the group to address the question ‘What are the biggest problems of men?’ and to shed light on how men can excel as husbands, fathers & providers,” says Connor.

The problem with traditional goal-setting is that it usually begins with a statement or declaration of desire, want, or need, and it lacks the diligent work required to be successful. At its best, some logical and critical thinking might be applied to the actions, tasks and steps required to move you towards a goal; but the whole process lacks the depth that these critical factors require to ensure success.

In 2014 I turned 60. This was not a traumatic event. It was a joyous moment. Life brought great happiness, tempered with many challenges and sadness Life also provided lessons to mitigate those challenges. I applied those lessons and I am not afraid of storms because I learned to sail my ship.

Youth Care Worker is usually the position people in the human service field start out with. New youth care workers are the people who apply, all full of hope and ideas and excitement about how they are going to make a big difference in people’s lives.

We are all likely to be wronged by others more than a few times in the course of our lifetime. Living in this imperfect world we will surely find ourselves faced with the dilemma of forgiveness over and over.

Author Randi G. Fine explains the role self-awareness plays in our lives, and why it creates growth and positive changes. An excerpt from her book Awaken From Life: Lessons for Discovering Your Personal Truths